Harvey cop accused of bribery is freed on bond

Officer let teen suspect go for money, drugs, prosecutor says

A Harvey police officer accused of releasing a teenage suspect in exchange for cash and drugs was released on his own recognizance at a bond hearing Wednesday.

Neal Frundle, 41, is charged with bribery, official misconduct and theft, all felonies. If convicted, he faces up to 7 years in prison.

At the bond hearing in the Markham Courthouse, Assistant State's Atty. Jaime Voigt told Cook County Judge Reginald Baker that on April 7, Frundle responded to Thornton Township High School, 15001 Broadway Ave., Harvey, after officials there caught a student carrying $1,100 and marijuana.

The uniformed officer handcuffed the student and placed him in the back of his marked squad car.

"After [Frundle] transported the victim off school grounds, he agreed to let the victim go for a portion of the money," Voigt said.

Frundle drove the boy several blocks north, where he allegedly took $600 and the marijuana, placed the remaining $500 in the teen's pocket and let him go, Voigt said.

School officials had taken photos of the money and drugs before releasing the boy to Frundle.

Voigt did not say who initiated the deal or whether Frundle or the teen were aware that photos of the items had been taken.

Harvey police said the department got a tip Friday from a resident about the incident.

After an investigation, Frundle was arrested and charged Tuesday.

Voigt said the officer gave a videotaped statement admitting his role in the incident. Harvey police spokeswoman Sandra Alvarado said Frundle, who had been an officer for 12 years, resigned after his arrest.

Frundle did not speak during the hearing, and the judge gave him a recognizance bond.

"This is a very serious accusation, when a person has breached the trust of the citizens at large," Baker said. "However, I'm supposed to treat you like any other individual and not hold your position against you."

Frundle has no criminal background but was suspended five days without pay in February 2007 after the department found he tried to cover up his failure to file a police report on a fatal stabbing, officials said.